Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge #111 F&AM

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

Honoring Excellence & Dedication!

Join us as we present The Hiram Award the highest honor a Lodge can confer upon a member for
dedicated service to our esteemed Brother, Dan Heal.

Brother Dan's unwavering commitment to the Lodge and Freemasonry embodies the true spirit of brotherhood, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate him!

📅 When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
📍 Where: Chico Masonic Center, 1110 W. East Ave, Chico, CA

Come out to congratulate Brother Dan and celebrate a wonderful evening with us!

08/14/2026

Freemasonry in Chico

Deeply intertwined with Northern California's pioneer history and the Gold Rush era. Dating back over 160 years, the story of the craft in Chico spans early frontier settlements, influential civic founders, and multiple physical homes across the city.

Chronological History of Chico Freemasonry
* Pre-Chico Valley Origins
1848–1851

Before Chico was formally established, Peter Lassen brought California's first Masonic charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri to Benton City (just north of present-day Chico). Though Benton City was short-lived, it sparked the growth of Freemasonry throughout Northern California.

* Establishment of Chico Lodge No. 111
December 31, 1856
General John Bidwell (founder of Chico), General Allan Wood (who served as the lodge's first Worshipful Master), and other local pioneers organized the lodge on New Year's Eve, 1856. The Grand Lodge of California officially chartered Chico Masonic Lodge No. 111 on May 14, 1857.

* First Downtown Meeting Spaces
1856–1908
* 1856–1871: Meetings were held on the top floor of John Bidwell’s general store at 1st Street and Broadway.
* 1871–1908: The lodge moved to the upper floor of the newly constructed Jones Hardware building (now Collier Hardware).

* Post-War Expansion & Second Lodge
1958
Following WWII and the Korean War, membership in Chico Lodge No. 111 surged past 500. To accommodate the growth, the Grand Lodge granted a charter for a second lodge in the city, Leland Stanford Lodge No. 784, on September 30, 1958. Both lodges shared facilities for decades.

* Consolidation & Modern Era
1990–Present
* 1990: As membership trends shifted state-wide in the late 20th century, Chico Lodge No. 111 and Leland Stanford Lodge No. 784 consolidated to form Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge No. 111.

* 1994: The lodge moved from downtown to its current facility, the Chico Family Masonic Center at 1110 E. East Avenue.

Prominent Figures & Legacy

* General John Bidwell: Founder of Chico and early member whose general store served as the fraternity's first meeting hall.

* General Allan Wood: Served as the founding Worshipful Master of Chico Lodge No. 111.

* Grand Masters: Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge No. 111 has produced two Grand Masters for the State of California: Ted Merriam and Charles Alexander.

08/13/2026

🌮 BLING : TacosTUESDAY
Every last Tuesday of the month, the brothers of Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge #111 take a break from the lodge room to catch up over local eats.

If you happen to be grabbing dinner at Aztlan Grilled Taqueria on Tuesday, August 25th, feel free to wave, pull up a chair, or ask a question. The local Masons of chico are always down for good food, good conversation, and taking the mystery out of what the fraternity is all about.

🔵Location: Aztlan Grilled Taqueria | 2601 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95973

🔵When: Tuesday, August 25th | 5:00PM (and every last Tuesday of the month)

08/12/2026

AUGUST STATED MEETING

08/12/2026

August 11 Stated meeting dinner served by our Rainbow Girls

08/11/2026

Jobs Daughter International Bethel 326 made some bracelets yesterday for the patients of Shriners Children's Hospital

08/11/2026

The phrase “Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God” serves as a core philosophical motto for Freemasonry, summarizing the fraternity's worldview, moral framework, and spiritual foundation.

Core Components of the Phrase

* The Fatherhood of God: Denotes the belief in a single Supreme Being—often referred to in Masonic tradition as the Great Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry requires its members to believe in a divine creator, though it does not define specific religious dogmas, welcoming men of diverse faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.). Recognizing a single divine source establishes the premise that all human beings share a common origin and divine creation.

* The Brotherhood of Man: Follows logically from the first principle: if humanity shares a common creator ("Father"), then all people are fundamental equals and spiritual brothers. This principle obligates members to practice mutual respect, tolerance, relief, and truth toward one another regardless of social status, race, or creed.

Broader Historical Context

While heavily associated with Masonic philosophy, the phrase gained widespread prominence during the 19th and early 20th centuries across various religious, social, and civil rights movements (such as the Social Gospel movement). It served as an ethical blueprint calling for universal human equality, religious tolerance, and world peace.

08/10/2026

Stated Meeting!

🔵When: August 11, 2026
🔵Where: 1110 W.East Ave, Chico CA
🔵STATED MEETING DINNERGUEST: Jobs Daughter International / Rainbow Girls Advisor